Combining travel nursing and RVing can be a rewarding and exciting lifestyle, but it can also come with its own set of unique challenges. Travel nursing involves working as a healthcare professional in different locations, often on a temporary basis. This can be a great way to see new places and gain new professional experiences, while also helping to fill shortages in healthcare facilities. On the other hand, as an RVer, you are part of a community of people who live in recreational vehicles full-time or part-time sometimes for work but typically for pleasure. It can be a great way to experience the freedom of the open road and the flexibility to travel wherever you want.
However, when you combine these two lifestyles, you may find that you don’t fully identify with either community. As a travel nurse, you may not have the same level of stability and community as your colleagues who are working in one location, but also may not have the same level of flexibility or free time as traditional full-time RVers.
One of the main challenges of combining travel nursing and RVing is finding a place to park your RV. Hospitals and healthcare facilities do not have RV parking available, so you will have to rely on nearby campsites or RV parks. This can be inconvenient at times, and also adds variable costs to your living expenses depending on the area you are in. Additionally, if you are working in a rural area, you may have limited options for RV parks, which can make it difficult to find a place to stay.
Another challenge is finding a balance between work and travel. As a travel nurse, you will be working long hours and may not have as much time to explore your new surroundings as you would like. On the other hand, as an RVer, you may be tempted to spend all your time traveling and sightseeing, which can make it difficult to focus on your work. It’s important to find a balance between these two aspects of your lifestyle and make sure that you are meeting your responsibility as a nurse while enjoying the perks of being an RVer.
One way to overcome these challenges is to plan ahead and be proactive. If you’re having trouble finding resources that cater specifically to your needs as a travel nursing RVer, don’t let that hold you back. There are communities of travel nurses living in RVs that you can turn to for support and advice. RVing Nurses, Facebook and Youtube can be great places to connect with other travel nurses and find information about this lifestyle. With some research, determination, and help from the community you can make your dream of combining travel nursing and RVing a reality.
Research the area where you will be working and make sure that you have a plan for where to park your RV. Look for RV parks or campsites that are within a reasonable distance from the hospital or healthcare facility where you will be working. You may also want to consider joining a travel nursing or RVing community or forum, where you can connect with others who are combining these lifestyles and get advice and support.
In addition to planning ahead, it’s also important to be flexible and adaptable. Especially when adopting this lifestyle! Things don’t always go as planned, and you may have to make changes to your schedule or your living arrangements at the last minute. Being open to new experiences and being willing to make adjustments can help you to better enjoy and manage the challenges as they arise.
One of the benefits of this lifestyle is the opportunity to see new places and experience new cultures. As a travel nurse, you have the freedom to choose your assignments and locations, allowing you to tailor your career to your interests and goals. As an RVer, you have the flexibility to travel wherever you want, whether it’s to a nearby state park or across the country. This can be a great way to experience new places and cultures while also having the freedom to choose your own schedule and lifestyle.
Cost savings that can come with combining travel nursing and RVing. By living in an RV, you can save money on housing costs, as well as on utilities and other expenses associated with traditional home ownership. This can be especially important for those who are just starting out in their careers or who are looking to save money while traveling. Additionally, by working as a travel nurse, you may be eligible for additional pay and benefits, such as housing stipends and travel expenses, which can help to offset the costs of RVing.
Another benefit is the sense of community that you can find within the travel nursing and RVing communities. Many travel nurses and RVers form strong bonds with their colleagues and fellow travelers, which can provide a sense of support and belonging. This can be especially important if you are living and working in a new location where you don’t have the same level of support from friends and family.
In conclusion, combining travel nursing and RVing can be a rewarding and exciting lifestyle that allows you to see new places and gain new experiences while also helping to fill shortages in healthcare facilities. However, it’s important to be aware of the unique challenges that come with this lifestyle, such as finding a place to park your RV and balancing work and travel. To overcome these challenges, it’s helpful to plan ahead, be proactive, and be flexible and adaptable. Additionally, joining a community of travel nurses or RVers can provide support and advice as you navigate this lifestyle. While there may be challenges, the benefits of combining travel nursing and RVing, such as the opportunity to see new places and experience new cultures and the sense of community within these communities, make it a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle choice.
